Cathedral filled with poppies to commemorate WW1

A stunning projection of poppies filled the nave of St Albans Cathedral for two nights only, as part of a unique light and sound installation to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.

On Friday, October 26 and Saturday, 27, the Cathedral opened after dark to anyone wishing to contemplate and reflect on the history of World War One.

Created by Peter Walker, Artistic Director at Lichfield Cathedral, the installation featured projections specially tailored to St Albans Cathedral, including names of local soldiers who served in the armed forces and falling rose petals, which projected over the Shrine of Alban, Britain’s First Saint.

A beautiful sound artwork, composed by David Harper, accompanied the installation and included four readings of First World War poems by Oscar-Winning actor, Eddie Redmayne.

Peter Walker said beforehand: “Art in its many forms allows us to individually and collectively experience and share emotive moments. A hundred years on from the end of WW1, Poppy Field is an opportunity to become immersed in sound and light and truly reflect and focus our thoughts. We are delighted to bring this installation to St Albans Cathedral.”

The Dean of St Albans Cathedral said: “The Cathedral is an appropriate place to remember, and like Alban’s red rose, the poppies recall both the beauty and the blood of martyrdom. At the centenary of the close of the Great War, it is a powerful way to offer sorrow and thanks for the past and continuing self-sacrifice of so many for the sake of their fellow human beings.”